The Oakland Score is a clinical calculator used to assess the risk of adverse outcomes in patients who have experienced a lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. It is specifically designed to identify patients who are at low risk and can be safely discharged from the hospital.
The Oakland Score applies to adult patients who have been admitted to the hospital with a lower GI bleed. It is particularly useful in emergency departments and acute care settings, where it can help clinicians make informed decisions about patient management, potentially reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and associated costs.
The score takes into account several factors, including patient age, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, presentation with syncope, digital rectal examination findings, and comorbidities.
The Oakland Score is not suitable for use in children or in patients with upper GI bleeding. It should also not be used in isolation but in conjunction with clinical judgment and other relevant diagnostic tools.
Reference
Kathryn Oakland, Vipul Jairath, Raman Uberoi et al. Derivation and validation of a novel risk score for safe discharge after acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a modelling study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Sep;2(9):635-643.
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